Royal Marine Ciaran Maxwell charged with terror offences

The Metropolitan Police has said a 30-year-old serving member of the armed forces has been charged with terror offences.

The charges against Ciaran Maxwell relate to a series of alleged offences, spanning five years. The alleged offences include bomb-making.

It is claimed that Maxwell, from Exeter, Devon, manufactured explosive substances, constructed explosive devices and created hideaways for them in England and Northern Ireland. The alleged offences contravene section 5 of the Terrrorism Act 2006.

The Met Police also alleges that Maxwell possessed cannabis with intent to supply, and possessed a number of articles, "namely images of bank cards and associated CVC numbers, for use in connection with fraud."

The suspect was arrested on August 24, 2016 by members of the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command (SO15), supported by colleagues from Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall Police. Properties have also been searched in Devon and Exminster.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is currently searching premises in Larne. The search is ongoing at this time.